Norris challenges Verstappen in title race after recent races

Lando Norris has significantly narrowed the gap to Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship, reducing his lead by 16 points over the last two races. With eight races remaining, Verstappen holds a 62-point advantage, but his recent performances have raised concerns about his title aspirations. After a disappointing sixth-place finish at Monza, Verstappen expressed doubts about the realism of his championship hopes. Meanwhile, Red Bull has faced challenges with their car but showed improvement during practice sessions in Baku, where both Verstappen and Sergio Perez performed well. Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, remains optimistic about defending their titles, emphasizing the competitive nature of the constructors' championship, which includes McLaren and Ferrari. Currently, Red Bull is just eight points ahead of McLaren, with Ferrari also in contention. Horner noted the motivation and hard work within the team, highlighting the unpredictability of the remaining races. Verstappen has been carrying the team's hopes in the constructors' championship, as his teammate Perez has struggled to finish higher than sixth in recent races. The team's performance at Monza was particularly disappointing, finishing behind both Ferrari and McLaren. Despite these setbacks, Horner believes that the mood within the team is positive and that they can turn their fortunes around quickly. Additionally, the departure of Adrian Newey from Red Bull to Aston Martin has been a significant moment for the team, marking the end of an era after nearly two decades. This transition has been celebrated by Aston Martin, but it also raises questions about Red Bull's future performance as they navigate the challenges ahead.